Introduction
Let’s break it all down and show you how to bring this mouthwatering meal to life—no fluff, just real, comforting food.
1. Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this rich and satisfying meal, you only need a few everyday ingredients. Here’s what to grab:
- 🥩 Steak (sirloin or ribeye) – 1 lb, sliced into thin strips
- 🧈 Butter – 4 tablespoons, divided
- 🧄 Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- 🧂 Salt & black pepper – to taste
- 🧀 Cheese ravioli – 12 oz, fresh or refrigerated
- 🌿 Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
- 🧅 Shallot (optional) – finely chopped
- 🌶️ Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a bit of heat
Pro Tip: The better your ingredients, the better the final flavor. Opt for quality cheese ravioli and well-marbled steak.
2. Choosing the Right Steak Cut
Flavorful steak is the star here, so don’t skimp.
Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak are ideal because they’re tender and cook quickly. Avoid cuts that are too lean or tough like round steak.
Marinate your steak if desired, but honestly, the garlic butter does most of the heavy lifting. Just season well and let that skillet do the magic.
3. Picking the Best Cheese Ravioli
There’s no need to make ravioli from scratch—fresh, refrigerated cheese ravioli from your local grocery store is perfect.
Look for:
- A high-quality filling (ricotta, mozzarella, or a blend)
- No artificial ingredients
- A cook time of 4–5 minutes
You can use frozen ravioli too—just adjust the cook time and boil separately if needed.
4. Why Garlic Butter Changes Everything
Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven. Together, they:
- Infuse the steak with depth and warmth
- Create a rich, silky sauce
- Add a golden-brown flavor note that’s irresistible
Think of garlic butter as the secret handshake of this dish. It brings everything together.
5. One-Skillet Cooking: Less Mess, More Flavor
There’s something magical about cooking everything in one pan.
It’s not just about saving time or dishes—it’s about building flavor. The steak juices, garlic, butter, and pasta starch come together in a single ecosystem of deliciousness.
This method ensures:
- Quick cooking
- Even heat distribution
- Deeply layered taste
One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak sliced into thin strips
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 12 oz cheese ravioli fresh or refrigerated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- to taste salt and black pepper
- optional red pepper flakes for a little heat
- 1 shallot finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the steak strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the steak and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the minced garlic and chopped shallot (if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in 1 cup of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cheese ravioli directly to the skillet. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and gently toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
6. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions Steak Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Slice the steak into thin strips. Mince the garlic. Chop the parsley. Have your ravioli ready to cook.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic (and shallot if using). Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Boil the Ravioli
Add 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer. Add the ravioli directly into the skillet. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Add the Steak Back In
Return the steak to the pan, along with the final tablespoon of butter. Toss gently to coat the ravioli and steak with the garlic butter sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle with parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
7. Tips for Searing Steak to Perfection Cheese Ravioli Recipe
- Pat steak dry with paper towels before searing
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed
- Let it rest before slicing to keep juices in
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible—it holds heat beautifully
Think of the sear as the foundation of your flavor—don’t rush it.
8. Building the Perfect Sauce
No cream. No broth. Just garlic butter + steak drippings + pasta starch.
That’s what gives this dish its velvety texture. Let the sauce simmer gently and coat everything evenly.
Want to kick it up?
- Add a splash of white wine
- Toss in a handful of grated Parmesan
- Finish with lemon zest for brightness
9. Customization Ideas & Add-ins
Feeling adventurous? Make it your own.
- 🥬 Add baby spinach for color and nutrients
- 🍄 Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for umami depth
- 🍅 Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of flavor
- 🥓 Crumble in cooked bacon for a smoky twist
- 🌶️ Add a splash of hot sauce for heat
This dish is flexible, forgiving, and made for creativity.
10. What to Serve on the Side
While this one-skillet meal can stand alone, here are some great companions:
- Garlic bread or warm baguette
- A crisp arugula salad with balsamic
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- A glass of red wine (Cabernet or Zinfandel)
Keep it simple, but thoughtful.
11. Storing & Reheating Leftovers
To Store:
Let the dish cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Add a splash of water or broth and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Avoid overcooking on reheat—ravioli can get mushy. Just warm it through.
12. Making It Ahead: Smart Meal Prep Tips
This meal works beautifully for prepping ahead:
- Pre-slice the steak and store with seasoning
- Pre-mince garlic and store in olive oil
- Parboil ravioli and keep it chilled
- Assemble everything in 10 minutes when ready to eat
13. Why This Recipe Works for Busy Nights Easy Dinner
- All cooked in one skillet
- 30 minutes or less from start to finish
- Kid-friendly, adult-approved
- High in protein, satisfying, and crave-worthy
- No complicated tools or prep
It’s the perfect balance of comfort and convenience.
14. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the steak – aim for medium-rare to medium
- Boiling ravioli separately – let it cook in the skillet for flavor
- Using low-fat butter substitutes – you’ll lose richness
- Not tasting as you go – adjust seasoning before serving
Little things make a big difference.
15. Final Thoughts and Cooking Inspiration Cheese Ravioli Recipe
This One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It transforms a few humble ingredients into a dish that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier.
It’s proof that you don’t need to be a chef to make something unforgettable. You just need a skillet, some butter, and the desire to eat something really, really good.
So light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the kind of dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli Recipe